Public warned after eyeliner found to contain lead

People have been warned to immediately cease using an imported brand of eyeliners, after tests found the products contained lead.

NSW Health made the discovery after three children from the same family became sick.

NSW Health has warned people to cease using the Hashmi Surmi Special and Hashmi Kohl Aswad eyeliners immediately.

NSW Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said doctors found the children had elevated levels of lead in their blood, and reported it to the Public Health Unit.

“An investigation indicated the health concerns were likely to have been caused by one of the Hashmi brand eyeliners," he said.

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Testing of the Hashmi Surmi Special and Hashmi Kohl Aswad eyeliners found they were 84 per cent lead, and also contained high levels of other dangerous metals including arsenic, cadmium, chromium and mercury.

The products were manufactured in Pakistan, and NSW Fair Trading had referred the cosmetics to the Australian Border Force for investigation.

“Inspections have so far shown that the Hashmi brand eyeliner products are sold predominantly in stores stocking Indian and Pakistani goods,” Mr Kean said.

“Some of the product packaging even specifically states that no lead is present, which is a total disgrace.

“I’m absolutely appalled by this as we know that use of cosmetics containing lead can have long-term health effects, including brain and kidney damage, in both adults and children.”

NSW Health said anyone who has the Hashmi products should stop using them immediately, and seek medical advice from their GP as soon as possible.